"I'm trying to make Mardi Gras beads from microalgae that's grown in a pond or a lake or any type of body of water you can find," said Professor Kato. "The reason is, we are aware that there is a problem of Mardi Gras beads in New Orleans and other areas in Louisiana, so we want to solve the problem."

So, what are these biodegradable beads made of? Large amounts of microscopic algae that can grow in just about any body of water.

"My hope is that this year we produce about 3,000 of the Mardi Gras beads and if the krewes like it, we can produce more," Kato said. He hopes to catch his own beads at Mardi Gras next year.